Postgame ponderings

SAN JOSE, Calif. Jonathon Blum’s Twitter account following Nashville’s 4-3 overtime victory over the Sharks pretty much summed up the Predators’ night: “Huge win tonight against the sharks character win,” Blum tweeted out. He was spot on. After Logan Couture’s flukey goal at the start of the third period, it seemed the Predators would probably end up on the wrong side of the scoresheet. But if anything, it seemed like Couture’s goal motivated the Predators to get back in the game. Six minutes into the third period, the Predators had tied the contest. Before the game, Coach Barry Trotz said the Sharks were the most talented team in the NHL. This could be so. But on this night, the Predators’ style of play trumped San Jose’s skill advantage.

Here are your ponderings …

The Predators are 4-0-1 when Patric Hornqvist has scored a goal this season. This shouldn’t be much of a surprise. In his last five games, Hornqvist has looked much more like the type of player who scored 30 goals two seasons ago. Having a player who drives to the net, and has the sense and awareness to find the puck when it’s close to him is a good commodity to have on one’s team. Hornqvist has showed why the Predators gave him that nice contract two summers ago.

David Legwand has six points in his last four games. On top of that he has played some decent-sized minutes for a forward. His lowest total was 19:16 in those contests. In his last four games, he has played less than 20 minutes only once. Following the win Saturday, Trotz intimated that Legwand took San Jose’s decision to match him against Joe Thornton personally. Legwand scored two goals.

The Predators don’t like to let other teams dictate personnel decisions. But San Jose’s choice to move Patrick Marleau to the second line, and put Martin Havlat on the third line (and Kevin Klein’s ankle issue) forced Nashville to rotate Francis Bouillon, Jonathon Blum, Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. While there were some missteps early, all looked comfortable playing with one another. The only minus player out of the group was Blum.

Tonight’s win ensured the Predators would get five of 10 points on this trip. You want to be at least .500 on the road during a season. Even if Nashville loses its next two games, this West Coast (plus Chicago) swing will be considered a success.

Ryan Suter is on pace for 19 goals this season. His career high is eight. Suter has looked more confident in shooting the puck. His shooting percentage rests at 14.3. His career high was 9.2 percent before the season.